Fourth of July in Cohousing

By Peter Lazar

Here are my kids on the 4th of July when they were a lot younger with a bunch of neighbor kids.  I have to say, our little neighborhood fireworks were even more fun than the big fireworks in the town.  Just take a look at the kids' faces!

Notice the ribbons and decorations on the bicycles in the back.  Every year we celebrate the Fourth of July with the same tradition.  Adults bring refreshments to the common green and set up the sound system in front of the Common House. Kids elaborately decorate their bicycles and scooters with ribbons, pinwheels and flags. 

Then we kick it off with john Phillips Sousa Stars and Stripes on the speakers while the kids parade on their bicycles in a big loop.  Parents and other adults cheer them on.  Some of the kids are very tiny.  They all have a blast. 

Afterwards, we all have watermelons and refreshments.  This is followed by an afternoon community softball game.  In the evening, we have the neighborhood fireworks.  Some neighbors then head to town for the big fireworks, but many continue to hang out in the neighborhood.  I see little need for the big town fireworks as I'm having so much fun in my community.

That picture was taken 9 years ago and the tradition remains unchanged today.  There is a new generation of very little kids and the adults and now-preteens and teens still participate.  No doubt every neighborhood has its own unique traditions.  Traditions are part of the glue of community.